Tag Archives: Zinc

If you are seeking a path to vibrant health, look to a healthy, vigorous, hardworking immune system. When cold and flu season is in full swing, strategically supporting the immune response may help to prevent illness and promote healing. Throughout life, we encounter harmful microbes, and unfortunately, sickness and infections are inevitable. When our immune cells combat and destroy viruses and bacteria, it also builds antibodies against those specific pathogens, strengthening immunity for the long haul. As influenza is a highly contagious airborne virus, even those with a strong immune system may contract the flu. However, those with the most robust immune systems may recover faster and experience less complications.

The youngest among us, who have not had time to build immunity, and seniors, whose immune functions weaken with age, are not only more susceptible to winter colds, influenza and strep throat, but are more vulnerable to a wide range of complications as well. Complications can range from moderate conditions, such as sinus and ear infections, to the more severe life threatening complications of pneumonia and organ inflammation. Those with chronic conditions, such as asthma, as well as heart and lung diseases, are most at risk of experiencing a worsening of their health conditions triggered by the flu.

Per the National Institutes of Health, a compromised immune system simply cannot perform as well as a fully functioning one. It appears to be in everyone’s best interest to take positive steps to avoid winter maladies by initiating strategies to support the immune system throughout the immunity building phase and when naturally declining as part of the aging process. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can decrease the immune system’s ability to fight off illnesses. Good general health habits help keep the immune defenses strong and alert.

Sleep on it – There are times when many of us are guilty of skimping on sleep. Prioritizing sleep strengthens the immune response, while chronic sleep deprivation elevates inflammation- promoting chemicals, weakening and suppressing immune health. Regular sufficient sleep, which means seven to eight hours nightly, will support overall good health and help to keep the immune system in top fighting form.

Feed it – Feed your body a variety of nutrient-rich foods for long term healthy function. Include live cultured foods like a low-sugar organic yogurt or kimchi, traditional Korean fermented vegetables. Multi-strain probiotic supplements help to enhance beneficial intestinal microorganisms, which aids intestinal homeostasis, helps to keep inflammation in check and supports proper immune and gastrointestinal functions.

Work it – Exercise boosts the immune system by strengthening its ability to create antibodies and the white blood cells that fight off deleterious pathogenic invaders. Prioritizing 20-30 minutes each day for physical activity will help boost immune performance, as well as reduce tension and relieve stress.

Chill out – Long term stress taxes both the adrenals and the immune system, raising the risk for poor overall health and suppressed immune reaction. By directly affecting the immune response chronically stressed, but otherwise healthy people, are more vulnerable to infectious and autoimmune diseases. Chronic stress acts as a trigger for anxiety and depression, and can bring about poor quality sleep, high blood pressure, heart disease and digestive issues.

Get happy – Chronic depression appears to increase proinflammatory cytokine activity and inflammation, negatively affecting immune health. Per the NIH, there is strong evidence that depression alters multiple aspects of immunity that may contribute to the development of several disorders and diseases.

Consider medicinal foods – Medicinal plants such as ginseng, astragalus, and garlic provide immune enhancing phytochemicals. As well, medicinal mushrooms, including shiitake, reishi and maitake, have antimicrobial properties that help support a balanced immune environment.

Astragalus Max-V 500 mg by Douglas Laboratories – Used since ancient times in Traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus is widely known for its immune-stimulating properties. One capsule provides 500 mg of standardized astragalus in support of the immune, cardiovascular, renal and hepatic systems. Gluten, soy and dairy free, Non-GMO formulation.

SR-Stamina™ by Iagen Naturals – This pharmaceutical grade blend of adaptogenic herbs and traditional botanicals provides ingredients known to increase stamina, enhance physical performance, and promote a healthy immune response, as well as decrease stress, anxiety and sore muscles.

L-Phenylalanine by Metabolic Maintenance – This product provides support for the normal production of mood-elevating neurotransmitters and addresses physical discomforts by blocking a nervous system enzyme that amplifies pain signals. Excipient free, preservative free, vegan formulation.

Mushroom Immune Defense™ by Source Naturals – ON SALE This broad spectrum, high potency blend provides mycelia and extracts from 16 well-studied species of health supporting mushrooms in support of immune health. Vegetarian formulation.

By now, many may know that a plant-based diet is considered one the best ways to protect health and guard against cellular aging and chronic disease. In the U.S., meat consumption is on the rise, even as the American Institute for Cancer Research, the World Cancer Research Fund International and the World Health Organization all recommend reduced and limited red and processed meat consumption. While vegans avoid all animal products, there are some vegetarian or semi-vegetarian diets that are largely based on plant foods, but allow for modest amounts of dairy and eggs and even an occasional bit of seafood or grass fed meat.

Some might argue that humans are omnivores who function best on a diet that includes both plant and animal foods. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics notes that an appropriately planned and balanced vegetarian diet can provide the nutrients to meet the body’s daily nutritional needs. To ensure a healthy plant-based diet, one must be educated in nutritional requirements, as an unbalanced diet may lack a number of important and essential nutrients. To truly be healthy, a vegan or vegetarian diet requires more than processed meatless meals, pumpkin muffins, French fries, pasta, and empty calorie refined foods. Ideally, 8-12 daily servings of a wide variety of colorful plant foods is necessary to provide sufficient amounts of protein and micronutrients.

Getting sufficient critical nutrients can be a challenge in a vegan diet, so knowledge and meal planning are essential. To guard against nutritional deficiencies, a balanced plant-based diet must include sources of all micronutrients. Particular attention should be paid to vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and all the essential amino acids.

Good reasons to load your plate with greens and veggies:

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, a plant-based diet is one the best ways to naturally lower blood pressure. The Harvard School of Public Health concurs and suggests that a diet loaded with fruits and vegetables can help control hypertension, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Almost 400 million Americans now have type 2 diabetes and that number is expected to rise to 600 million by 2035. Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable with a healthy whole food diet and exercise. Research suggests a plant-based diet is one of the best forms of diabetes prevention.

Harvard researchers have found that those who average eight or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily lower their risk of having a stroke or heart attack by 30%.

Vegetarians tend to consume fewer calories, helping to support normal weight. Opting for more fiber-filled vegetables, fruits and whole grains in lieu of meat, leads to a lower overall caloric intake and helps to keep you feeling satisfied on fewer calories. Weight loss occurs naturally when less sugar and more whole foods are consumed.

The USDA guidelines suggest that everyone integrate more meatless meals, that revolve around vegetables, whole grains and fruits, into their weekly meal plans. In adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet, it’s essential to know how to increase not only your intake and but also the absorption of certain nutrients in order to avoid both short term and long term deficiencies. When one is considering going vegan or vegetarian, it may help to meet with a healthcare practitioner, dietician or nutritionist to learn about meal planning, especially when one has a medical condition or is looking to lose a significant amount of weight. With adequate planning, a plant-based diet can exceed the healthfulness of non-vegetarian diets, especially the standard American diet. Be sure to do your nutritional homework and plan a healthful approach before jumping headlong into a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Vitamin B12 – B12 is particularly important for DNA, RNA and red blood cell production, as well as healthy nerve cell maintenance. B12 aids the release of energy into the cells, supporting movement and cognitive function, and supports cardiovascular health by removing inflammation-causing homocysteine from the blood. Found largely in animal products, B12 deficiency is common in vegans and vegetarians and can cause symptoms such as fatigue, nervousness, tingling in the extremities, and eventual nerve damage, if the deficiency is not addressed. In order to ensure sufficient amounts of B12 and minimize the potential risk of heart disease, vegans should eat fortified foods several times each day or consider a daily B12 supplement.

Iron – Iron is important for immunity, energy production, DNA synthesis and the transfer of oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the U.S., especially among premenopausal women and teenage girls. Iron is prevalent in a wide variety of plant and animal foods including meats, legumes, beans and grains. Although the most easily absorbed form of iron, known as heme iron, is primarily found in red meat, plant foods do contain significant amounts of iron, but in a less absorbable non-heme form. In addition, plant antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols and phytates, can bind to minerals and inhibit the absorption of plant iron and zinc. Sufficient levels of Vitamin C can enhance the absorption of plant iron and overcome the inhibitors in plant foods. Although studies show that vegetarians have lower iron stores than non-vegetarians, by paying attention to a healthy, varied vegetarian diet, herbivores can keep their blood levels of iron within the normal range.

Zinc – There are many rich plant sources of zinc, including chickpeas, mushrooms and cashews. However, similar to iron, the body does not easily absorb zinc from plant-based sources. Evidence suggests that because of absorption issues, vegans and strict vegetarians may require a zinc intake up to 50% higher than meat eaters. Once again, these foods should be paired with vitamin C-rich foods to increase the absorbability this important nutrient.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, are found largely in fatty fish. ALA is an omega 3 fatty acid that is found in plant products. Getting sufficient omega-3 essential fatty acids may be the ultimate challenge for vegans. Ground flax seeds and hemp seeds are two of the richest plant sources of ALA omega-3 fatty acids. As vegetarian diets are typically low in omega-3 and high in omega-6 fatty acids, the use of corn and blended vegetable oils, high in omega-6, should be minimized. Low levels of omega-3’s are associated with cardiovascular disease, depression, and other negative health consequences.

Complete Proteins – Protein is key to reduced cravings, muscle building, and healthy weight maintenance. All protein sources from meat to tofu contain different amounts of amino acids. Animal-based food sources contain all essential amino acids but plant-based protein may contain only a few. Eating a variety of plant proteins along with whole grains can ensure the proper intake of all essential amino acids. Deficiencies in essential nutrients can negatively affect the way the body can use protein.

Professional Supplement Center carries many high quality supplements specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of vegans and vegetarians:

B12 5000 Liquid by Pure Encapsulations – This convenient, pleasant tasting bioavailable form of vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin provides support for energy production and immune system health, as well as nerve and neurological function. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

Zinc Picolinate 25 mg by Country Life – This supplement provides highly absorbable and bioavailable zinc in support of immune, prostate and overall health. Wheat, soy and dairy free, vegan formulation.

Professional Supplement Center now carries EZC Pak™, a physician formulated nutritional support pack intended to provide the core components for appropriate immune support while reducing unnecessary antibiotic usage. Concern over the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs led physician and Medical Director Sarath Malepati to tackle the fundamental problem of inappropriate antibiotic over-prescribing for common viral infections. Misuse of antibiotics can have harmful consequences for both the patient and for global public health, as many scientists and health professionals are concerned about the rise of superbugs and antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Malepati developed EZC Pak to assist a “wait and watch” approach and relieve the pressure to prescribe unnecessary antibiotics. He believes that, “While there is certainly a time and place for antibiotics, usage should be limited to the right medicine at the right time.” EZC Pak™ is a vitamin, mineral and herbal OTC formulation based on the best available evidence of the active core components and the U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) guidelines. Only high quality ingredients, including certified organic echinacea, zinc and vitamin C, are utilized in this well tolerated, appropriately formulated immune support pak.

Vitamin C – Water soluble vitamin C supports many metabolic functions and is found in high concentrations in the immune cells. Vitamin C is believed to promote the immune response by supporting the immune cells that are involved in fighting viral and bacterial infections. Regular intake of vitamin C has been shown to reduce both the incidence and the duration of illness.

Zinc – Zinc supports the immune system and a wide range of critical functions. When initiated within 24 hours of the onset of illness, zinc has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of illness symptoms. General recommended use of moderately higher doses of zinc is 5 days.

Proprietary Echinacea blend – Long used in traditional medicine, echinacea is believed to aid the immune system’s ability to help clear viral infections by promoting immune T-cell activity. Echinacea is intended to be used at the first signs of illness, generally within 48 hours of onset, and continued for 5-7 days.

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